What should I look for in a sunscreen?
It is really important to choose a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA & UVB rays. UVA is responsible for skin "aging", and UVB is what generates a "burn" or redness to the skin, both of which can contribute to skin cancers. It is reported that two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.
And remember, the best sunscreen is the one that has no Chemical Sunscreen actives in it. Choose an SPF 50 if possible especially in Summertime, long days in the sun, sporting and active days, choose a waterproof sunscreen. Otherwise, it really is a matter of personal choice.
Our sunscreens are Organic, Mineral, Cruelty Free, Australian Made, packed with lots of healing goodness to hydrate and nourish your skin too whilst protecting it from our beautiful sun.
Do I need to use sunscreen every day?
Applying sunscreen every morning should be an essential part of your daily routine. Also depends on the season and where you live, here in Australia where the sun is very harsh it is an essential. Wearing a mineral SPF sunscreen daily is a good idea especially between 10-4pm when the sun is the strongest.
Up to 90% of skin aging and most skin cancers are caused by unprotected sun exposure. The damage is cumulative, and in Australia, can occur in as little as 10 minutes in the sun.
What does "SPF" mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It refers to how long the sunscreen will protect you before you start to burn (sunburn = sun damage). Because some UV radiation still gets through the sunscreen and into your skin, the SPF number refers to roughly how long it will take for a person's skin to turn red.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will prevent your skin from getting red for approximately 15 times longer than usual (so if you start to burn in 10 minutes, sunscreen with SPF 15 will prevent burning for about 150 minutes).
A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 protects against about 93% of UVB rays, one with an SPF of 30 protects against 97% of rays and a sunscreen with an SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, according to the Mayo Clinic. Or, another way of looking at it is:
SPF 15 (93% protection) allows 7 out of 100 photons through
SPF 50 (98% protection) allows 2 out of 100 photons through
So, while it may not seem that you're increasing your level of protection by a significant amount, an SPF 15 will let through three times the amount of photons than an SPF 50.
There is no sunscreen that can block 100% of UV rays, which is why it is important not to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun, even whilst wearing sunscreen.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
You should apply sunscreen in generous amounts all over exposed areas 20 mins before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or more if swimming or sweating
What are our “active" ingredients”?
We use Non Nano Zinc Oxide 25% as our mineral active in our sunscreens.
Do you use chemical ingredients?
No
How are sunscreens regulated in Australia?
The manufacture of sunscreens is strictly regulated by the Australian Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The TGA's sunscreen regulations are among the strictest in the world. They are rigorous in seeking to exclude or minimise the use of any ingredients with any scientific evidence for potential adverse effects for humans.
For further information, please visit the TGA website.
Are you cruelty-free?
Yes we are 100% Cruelty Free, we love our fur babies/souls
Are your products "reef safe"?
Yes we are proudly 100% Reef Safe
Is Oyster Suncare suitable for all skin types?
Absolutely! Oyster Suncare is formulated to cater to a wide range of skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, our products are designed to provide effective sun protection without causing any irritation or discomfort.
How often should I apply the sunscreen?
For optimal protection, we recommend applying sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating heavily or spending extended periods in the water.
Is your sunscreen waterproof?
While our sunscreens offer water-resistant properties, they are not completely waterproof. We recommend reapplying the sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating to ensure continuous protection.
Are Oyster Suncare sunscreens reef-friendly?
Absolutely! Oyster Suncare is committed to protecting both your skin and the environment. Our sunscreens are formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs. So, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about damaging our precious marine ecosystems.
Are Oyster Suncare products vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, all Oyster Suncare products are proudly vegan and cruelty-free. We believe in creating products that are ethically sourced, without any animal testing or animal-derived ingredients. We're passionate about cruelty-free beauty that aligns with our values.
Is Oyster Suncare sunscreen compliant with Australian standards?
Absolutely! Oyster Suncare sunscreens are formulated and manufactured to meet the stringent standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and New Zealand AS/NZS 2604:2012. You can trust that our sunscreens have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide the highest level of sun protection while adhering to the Australian regulatory guidelines.
Is it safe to use Oyster Suncare sunscreens during pregnancy?
Oyster Suncare sunscreens are generally safe for use during pregnancy. However, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and to address any specific concerns you may have.